Queensland has missed a golden opportunity to host the FR Cup final after losing to South Australia in their final preliminary match at the Adelaide Oval by 48 runs. The Bulls' defeat is the Bushrangers' gain as Victoria will now welcome Queensland in Sunday's decider at the MCG.

The Bulls were cruising at one stage in their pursuit of 259 with the openers James Hopes (57) and Ryan Broad supplementing occupation of the crease with some agricultural blows in their 99-run stand. It seemed the perfect foundation despite Broad being incorrectly adjudged caught behind on 48. Injudicious strokes from Hopes and the competition's leading run-scorer Lee Carseldine increased the pressure on the home attack that had combined for just 36 career domestic one-day wickets.

South Australia's total of 7 for 258 was thought to be too few at a ground where 13 of the last 16 domestic limited-overs contests had been claimed by the side chasing. The hosts started horrendously by losing the in-form opener Daniel Harris off the first legitimate ball of the innings.

Callum Ferguson looked in good touch before ramping Ashley Noffke straight to third man to leave his side reeling at 2 for 23. Michael Klinger (70) continued his outstanding summer, combining with Cameron Borgas (31) to steady the ship, but Klinger's innings chewed up 110 deliveries and left the lower order with significant work to do.

Mark Cosgrove, the Man of the Match, capped his successful return to both domestic forms with a brisk 64 to help guide the Redbacks to what eventuated as a more than competitive total. Nathan Rimmington was the pick of Queensland's bowlers with 2 for 43, which should have included Cosgrove who was dropped on 20.

In the end an outstanding bowling performance by the inexperienced Redbacks proved the difference. The left-arm spinner Aaron O'Brien's spell of 2 for 36 put enormous pressure on the Bulls lower order, which began the last ten overs needing 97. O'Brien was brilliantly supported by the debutant Peter George and Jake Haberfield, while Daniel Christian (3 for 50) and Gary Putland held their nerve during the batting Powerplay to secure South Australia their fifth win of the season.

The Redbacks finished third on the table while the Bulls will travel to Victoria for the second time in nine days. "We've put in some very good performances at the MCG in recent years, so we're not too fussed to be going there," Queensland's captain Simpson said. "[We have] got no choice other than to forget about tonight.

"The last final down there we came away with the silverware so we're feeling good and can't wait for a crack at it." Sunday's decider is a replay of two years ago when Queensland triumphed.